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AI Tool Predicts Cancer Survival From Face Photo
Yahoo • • general
Key Points:
- Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed AI tools that analyze facial photographs to estimate biological age and predict mortality risk in cancer patients, potentially aiding treatment decisions.
- The AI system was trained on over 40 million images and identifies features such as forehead lines and areas under the eyes to assess frailty and survival chances objectively.
- Patients who appeared five years older than their actual age faced a 21% higher risk of death, while those appearing younger had a 17% lower risk; the highest risk group had over three times the mortality risk of the lowest.
- The technology could help oncologists determine if patients can tolerate aggressive treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, but it is still experimental and not yet ready for routine clinical use.
- Further research is needed to validate the tool’s effectiveness across diverse populations and cancer types, and to ensure it complements rather than replaces physician judgment.
